Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Reg was the second son, born on the 25th August, 1918 to Hugh and Laurel Eva Brown at Port Lincoln. He had three brothers, the oldest being Lindsay Maurice James and two younger brothers, Arnold Vincent and Kenneth Lincoln. The family lived at Yaninee (near Wudinna) on the Eyre Peninsula, predominantly a farming area, where the brothers attended the local Yaninee School. They were regularly involved in concerts to raise funds for their school via concerts and short plays. Lindsay was very musical, playing the fife, violin and pianoforte while Reg and Lindsay both enjoyed acting in a farcical comedy called ‘Two Young Scamps’ in 1930 where their father generously provided the stage setting materials.
With the outbreak of WWII there was a huge push by the military with many country towns being visited in a drive to gain more enlistees. Reg’s younger brother, 17-year-old Ken enlisted in November ’40, as SX10336. He rose to become a Corporal in the 2/27th Battalion. 22-year-old Reg enlisted the following year on the 5th June, 1941 becoming SX13121 in the 2/48th Battalion. He listed his occupation as a labourer. His early days were spent at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills where he appeared to have a reaction to a compulsory vaccine and soon after suffered an unexplained concussion. In October he also lost a day’s pay, being absent without leave. The following month he was on his way to serve overseas, arriving in the Middle East at the end of November. Conditions were in stark contrast to home; dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment provided a constant challenge to the young men. In May ’42 Reg was reprimanded for not attending a Parade called by his Commanding Officer, but that time did not sustain a fine.
Thirteen months after enlisting, Reg was killed in action on the 22nd July, 1942. He was just 23. In late June, 42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the 2/48th were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. The battalion then advanced south, capturing the Tel el Eisa station and repelling numerous counter attacks. However, they were eventually forced to withdraw, having suffered over 100 casualties. It was during this attack that fellow soldier, Private Stan Gurney was awarded the 2/48th Battalion’s first VC having captured two machine gun posts and bayonetted the gun crew firing on his company but was killed attempting to take a third. The 2/48th battalion suffered 215 casualties between the 7th July and 23rd October. Of that number, 64 men were killed and six, died of their wounds. 125 other men were wounded but survived.
In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the ferocious encounter;
‘When the troops were well forward of the start-line they came under terrific fire from shells and mortars from the front and left and suffered heavy casualties. With the slow deliberate movement of perfectly trained soldiers both companies continued the advance in perfect formation, over ground that trembled and erupted with vicious explosions. Through this, sometimes obscured by the smoke and dust, the men moved, and, as they advanced, the fire kept place with them, leaving behind the still shapes of fallen men among the camel bush and sand.’
Glenn later quotes 22-year-old Ray Bloffwitch SX7866 of D Company who was in the thick of the fighting:
‘The noise was terrific: German machine guns were spreading the fire right across our front. The continuous call for stretcher bearers told of our casualties. My section had just cleaned out a pocket when I saw another section cut down. Wally Shane fell and did not move. Then a little further forward, Sergeant Lin Evans was hit twice.’ Reg was also killed with these fellow soldiers; they rest now together.

The Chronicle published a list of those killed in action in August ’42. They included eight others from Reg’s battalion. SX1312 Pte. Reginald W. C. Brown 2/48th Whyalla. SX12765. Pte. Charles A. Corfield 2/48th Clare. SX7166 Pte. Arthur R. Davis 2/48th Rosewater SX13018 Pte. Colin J. Hanley 2/48th Port Augusta. SX8236 Pte. Gerald J. Hayes. 2/48th Wir. SX6297 Pte. Donald S. Ridley 2/48th Lox SX110521312. Pte. W. M. Shane. 2/48th Spalding and SX8315 Pte. Robert O. Sunman. 2/48th Port Augusta. Nine others were listed as being wounded in action.
Back home, the Whyalla News reported the loss of Reg. ‘It is with deep regret that we announce that Private Reg. Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, of Excelsior Cafe, Dick street, was killed in action in Egypt on July 22. Mrs. Brown is one of the most enthusiastic workers for Whyalla unit of the Fighting Forces Comforts Fund, the members of which have expressed their deep sympathy to her and Mr. Brown. Another son, Ken, went through the fighting in Syria and Libya and is now back in Australia. Three of Mrs. Brown's brothers are in the A.I.F.
In April ’43, Reginald was re-buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt in Plot XVI, Row H Grave 22. He rests with others from his 2/48th Battalion who died on the same day. These included SX13018 21-year-old Private Colin Hanley, SX7979 22-year-old Corporal Lindsay Evans, SX11052 22-year-old Private Walter Shane, WX10144 19-year-old Private Albert Lang, SX7948 24-year-old L/Sgt Keith Trenorden, SX9316, 28-year-old Private Arthur Phillips, SX7343 27-year-old John Miller, SX8670 26-year-old Corporal William Glennon, SX7535 28 year old Cpl Patrick O’Loughlin, WX9817 Pte Gilbert W.B. Lee, WX9858 33 year old Pte Arthur S. Gurney (V.C.), SX13121 23 year old Pte Reginald W.C. Brown, WX9869 31 year old Pte William T. Birchley, SX7483 32 year old Pte Ivan C. Hanel, SX13560 36 year old Pte Herbert J. Hill and SX10317 28-year-old Captain C.F. Williams (M.C.). Reg’s parents chose the inscription ‘He died that we might live’ for his headstone.
Within a year the family again received unwanted news with the Whyalla paper sharing that ‘Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Brown, of Whyalla, have received private advice that their youngest son, Pte. Ken Brown, has been wounded in New Guinea. He enlisted in 1940, at the age of 17½ years, and went overseas in April 1941. He served in the Syrian campaign and returned to Australia last March. An elder brother, Reg. was killed in Egypt in the big drive in July.’
Reg’s parents returned to Yaninee in ‘44 as honoured guests. Because of their hard work and leadership, the local Comforts Fund had their own comfortable' rooms for weekly meetings. The Port Lincoln Times reported that ‘All the town turned out on June 20 for the opening ceremony, which was most ably carried out by Mrs. Brown. The unveiling of the Honour Roll, presented to the Comforts Fund by Mr. and Howard Pfitzner, was also unveiled oy Mrs. Brown. The rooms were attractively decorated with flags and flowers, and photos of all the men and women of the district who have joined the forces adorned the walls.’ After the speeches, which were given by the president of the Comforts Fund (Mrs. Franklin) and the guest of honor (Mrs. Brown), afternoon tea was served, and everyone enjoyed a chat and an inspection of the rooms.’
With peace declared, Reg’s younger brother, by then Corporal Kenneth Brown, was discharged in February ’46.
The family continued to remember their son and brother in the ensuing years. Maurice Hancock, Reg’s friend from Whyalla, who enlisted in January ’43 and rose to Sergeant SX27985, also continued to pay tribute to Reg.
Chronicle Thursday 20 August 1942, BROWN.—A tribute to my sincere pal, Private R. W. Brown, killed in action in Egypt, July 22. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by Maurice Hancock (A.M.F.), Whyalla. BROWN.—Killed in action in Egypt, July 22, Reginald, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Brown, of Whyalla, brother of Lindsay, Arnold Kenneth (A.I.F.) , and brother-in-law of Nancy. Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1943, BROWN. R. W. C. —In loving memory of Reg. gave his life in the Middle East, July 22. 1942. Beneath the cross of Sacrifice, within a silent grave, his comrades laid him down to rest among the honored brave. —Remembered by Maurice AIF. BROWN.—A tribute of love and remembrance of Reg. killed In action July 22. 1942. —Fondly remembered by Betty. BROWN. —In sad but loving memory of Reg. killed in action Tel el Isa, July 22. 1942. Memories are treasures that so one can steal, death is a heartache that no one can heal—inserted by his loving mother and father. BROWN.—A tribute to the memory of my brother Reg. paid the supreme sacrifice July 22. 1842. His duty nobly done. —Inserted by brother Ken (AXF, ret.). BROWN.— A tribute to my brother, who paid the supreme sacrifice. July 22, 1942. To be with us In the same old way. would be my greatest wish today.—lnserted by brother Arnold.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, BROWN, Reg.—Killed in action July 22 1942. He will walk beside me through the passing years. —Ever remembered by his brother Arnold. BROWN, R. W.—A tribute to my pal Reg. who paid the supreme sacrifice at Tel El Eisa. July 22. 1942. Rest on in peace, oh. warrior brave, till the bugle sounds again.—Inserted by Maurice BROWN.—A tribute to the memory of our school pal Reg. killed in action. Egypt July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered, Campbell family. BROWN.— In sad but loving memory of our dear son and brother Reg., killed in action Tel-El-Eisa July 22. 1942.—Al ways remembered by mother and rather. and brothers Ken (AIF ret.) Arnold and Lindsay, and sister-in-law Nancy.
Chronicle Thursday 26 July 1945, BROWN. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Reg., SX13121, B Coy. 2/48 Batt. killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Some say that time heals broken hearts and helps us to forget: but time so far has only shown how much we miss you yet. — So sadly missed by his loving mother and father, brothers Lindsay, Arnold, Ken (A.I.F. ret.), and sister-in-law Nancy.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, BROWN. R. W.—Killed in action, Tel-el-Eisa, July 22, 1942. Time may heal the wound, but memories go on forever. —Always remembered by his brother Arnold. BROWN.—In loving memory of my pal. Reg. SX13121, killed in action El Alamein July 22 1942. The waves of the ocean divide us, you sleep in a soldier’s grave: I remember you as a hero, and treasure the life you gave.—Inserted by Maurice (Morotai). BROWN.—In loving memory of Reg. SX13121 B Coy, 2.48th Batt., killed at Tei-el-tsa, July 22. 1942. Partings come and hearts are broken. Loved ones go with farewells unspoken, We who loved you truly know, How much we lost four years ago. Ever remembered by mother and father, and brothers Lindsay, Arnold and Ken (ex-AIF) and Nance.
Chronicle Thursday 25 July 1946, BROWN. — In loving memory of Reg, SX13121 B Coy. 2/48th Batt. killed at Tel-el-Isa, July 22, 1942. Partings come and hearts are broken, Loved ones go with farewells unspoken. We who loved you truly know How much we lost four years ago. —Ever remembered by mother and father and brothers Lindsay, Arnold and Ken (ex-A.I.F.) and Nance.
Chronicle Thursday 24 July 1947, BROWN, R. W., SX13121, 2/48th Battalion. — A loving tribute to the memory of Reg, K.LA- Tel-el-Isa, July 22, 1942. A little white cross a long way from here Marks the last resting place of one we loved so dear. — Always remembered by mother and father, Lindsay, Arnold, Ken (A.LF. returned) and Nancy.
Whyalla News Friday 23 July 1948, BROWN, SX13121, Pte. R. W.—A loving tribute to our dear son and brother; Reg, killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten by mother and father, brothers Lins, Arn and Ken (ex-AXF.) and sisters-in-law, Nance and Betty. BROWN, Reg, SX 13121. In loving memory of Reg, killed at Tel El Isa, July 22, 1942. A dear friend, A great pal Ever remembered by Maurice. Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, BROWN. SX13121 Pte. R.W.—A loving tribute to our dear son and brother Reg, killed in action El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten.—By mother and father, brothers Lins, Arn and Ken (ex-A.I.F.) and sisters-in-law Nance and Betty. . BROWN. Pte. R. W-—A tribute to the memory of my brother Reg. killed in action. Tel-el-Eisa. July 22. 1942. —Ever remembered by Ken and Betty.
Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, BROWN. SX13121. Pte. R. W.—In loving memory of Reg., K.I.A., Tel Elisa, July 22, 1942. Every day, in some sweet way, your loving memory comes our way.—Always remembered by mother, father, brothers and sisters-in-law.
Port Lincoln Times Thursday 20 July 1950 BROWN. — In loving memory of Reg (SX13121), killed El Alamein July 22, 1942. With so much to remember, How can we ever forget. —Sadly missed by mother, father, brothers and sisters-in-law
Advertiser Saturday 21 July 1951, BROWN. Reg SX13121.— In loving memory of our dear son and brother, killed in action El Alamein July 22 1942. The years are passing, but remembrance is everlasting. — Loved always by mum, dad brothers and sisters-in-law.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1952, BROWN, SX13121, Pte. R. W. A tribute to the memory of our dear son and brother Reg, killed at El Alamein July 22 1942 Loved and remembered always by mother and dad, brothers and sisters-in-law.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion